Ostrich Feather Military Headwear

This highly decorative feather ‘bonnet’ was surprisingly practical. It was worn by Highland soldiers, even in hot climates, protecting their heads like a helmet. The ostrich feathers even helped to keep them cool! 

It was worn from the middle of the eighteenth century until the outbreak of the First World War. The base of the hat features a red and white checked pattern, and the bonnet is decorated with a white hackle, or feather.